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Committee considers creating independent city auditor office to increase oversight
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Summary
The Policy and Finance Committee discussed a recommendation to create a city auditor appointed by the governing body and debated whether to enact it via charter ordinance or ordinary ordinance; members asked staff to arrange demonstrations and provide more detail on qualifications, costs and governance safeguards.
The Topeka City Policy and Finance Committee on a special virtual meeting spent substantial time debating a citizens government review committee recommendation to create a city auditor office appointed by the governing body.
Chair Marcus Miller introduced item 4c, describing the recommendation that the auditor be appointed by the governing body and "serve with the pleasure of the governing body." Committee members and review committee representatives debated whether to create a charter-protected office to increase independence or to establish the position by ordinary ordinance as a department staff role reporting to the city manager.
A review committee representative said a charter ordinance could provide more security and independence for the auditor, including potential supermajority protections for removal, and argued the position could yield long-term financial benefits. "You have to spend the money to get an auditor, but the goal would be that in the long run, that person saves you, potentially millions of dollars," one member said. Another representative noted that model ordinance language and professional associations (for example, the Local Government Auditors Association) can provide guidance on parameters and responsibilities.
A committee member pointed out that Topeka currently lacks a city auditor: "Topeka is the largest city in Kansas. It does not have a city auditor," a speaker said, and urged the committee to consider how an auditor might be structured and what qualifications would be required. Speakers recommended inviting experienced auditors or associations to brief the committee on qualifications (certified local government auditors were cited) and on typical responsibilities and powers.
Chair Miller asked staff to reach out to audit professionals and to have IT and finance staff scope costs for any recommended tracking or oversight functions; staff agreed to arrange presentations and return with more information at a future meeting. No formal vote to create the auditor position or to change the charter took place at the special meeting.
Why it matters: Creating an independent city auditor could change how Topeka's finances and performance are reviewed, affect public confidence in city operations and potentially produce cost savings, but it raises governance questions about appointment, removal protections and budget implications.
What happens next: Staff will invite auditors or associations to present to the committee, will gather information on qualifications and likely costs, and will report back to the Policy and Finance Committee for further consideration.
